The intended way to ensure your pixel-sized document stays the same size after export is to use the default screen resolution — 72 PPI.
If you set anything else, Illustrator will scale the image accordingly (as if the 'Resample' option in Photoshop is ticked when you resize an image).
There is no way to write a custom resolution AND maintain the desired size at the same time.
The reasoning behind this behaviour is that the resolution value is supposed irrelevant when an image’s intent is Screen or Web. An image can have no resolution value stored in it at all, it’s just an optional coefficient, and then different viewers and editors suppose a value on their own — usually 72 PPI (Mac-style) or 96 PPI (Windows-style).
Unlike other editors, Illustrator has a continuous range for all measurements units. One pixel is considered to be equal one point, and a point is 1/72 of an inch (in PostScript tradition), and inch is exactly 2.54 mm. This continuity allows to mix digital and print media assets.
TLDR
If you design in pixels and export images for screen intent — use 72 PPI.
If you design for print and export images in inches or millimeters or other real-world units — use any other resolution.
However, comments about this are welcome. World changes constantly, and the once obvious solution might not be clear for new generations. Please share your thoughts.
The intended way to ensure your pixel-sized document stays the same size after export is to use the default screen resolution — 72 PPI.
If you set anything else, Illustrator will scale the image accordingly (as if the 'Resample' option in Photoshop is ticked when you resize an image).
There is no way to write a custom resolution AND maintain the desired size at the same time.
The reasoning behind this behaviour is that the resolution value is supposed irrelevant when an image’s intent is Screen or Web. An image can have no resolution value stored in it at all, it’s just an optional coefficient, and then different viewers and editors suppose a value on their own — usually 72 PPI (Mac-style) or 96 PPI (Windows-style).
Unlike other editors, Illustrator has a continuous range for all measurements units. One pixel is considered to be equal one point, and a point…
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